Human rights lawyer faces fresh onslaught

Attorney-general Johannes Tomana has launched a new attack against human rights lawyer Alec Muchadehama by appealing against his acquittal two years ago.

Muchadehama, who was charged with a judge's clerk, Constance Gambara, stood trial in 2009 before Magistrate Fadzai Mthombeni.

The pair were charged with contempt of court for allegedly facilitating the illegal release from Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison of two MDC officials, Gandhi Mudzingwa and Kisimusi Dhlamini, as well as photojournalist Andrison Manyere, who had been granted bail.

Mthombeni acquitted the pair in December 2009, saying the prosecutors had failed to prove the essential elements of the crime.

Now Tomana has launched a fresh bid to nail the lawyer. The attorney-general has petitioned the Supreme Court, seeking an order to allow him to file the appeal.

The same appeal was dismissed in 2010 by high court Judge Joseph Musakwa. Tomana argues he may get Muchadehama and Gambara's acquittal nullified.

(2012-01-29/timeslive)